HC Deb 11 April 1918 vol 104 cc1633-4
47. Colonel FABER

asked the Prime Minister whether it is possible to publish a list of our officers and men who are known to be alive and prisoners of war in Turkish hands; and whether, seeing the state of suspense that exists in the public mind about these prisoners, he can make any statement to alleviate it?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I regret I can add nothing to the full answer which my hon. Friend the Member for Central Sheffield gave on the 18th March last to my hon. find gallant Friend the Member for North Dorset, except that the, untraced British officer therein referred to is now found not to have been missing at Kut, and should therefore be excluded from the figures. All information we have is communicated to the relatives and all new information is published, and I am afraid to publish a now nominal list at the present time would only lead to misunderstanding.

Colonel FABER

Arising out of that, could my hon. Friend furnish the names of those in the internment camp near Constantinople?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I will look into that, and furnish the names if possible.

Mr. HUME-WILLIAMS

Also arising out of that, will the hon. Gentleman say when the last inspection of this camp was held?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I cannot say offhand. If the lion, and learned Member will put down a question, I will try to get the information.